Will a 1988 steering column work in a 1981?

I have a 1981 F350, tilt-wheel, floor-mounted manual transmission.

Will a 1988 column work? I would imagine it'd physically line up, correct? But I'm not sure about the electrical.

1981 doesn't have the key-in-ignition buzzer, I can either 1) transfer over my 1981 switch, or 2) use the 1988 switch if it's electrically compatible?

But the 1988 has cruise control.

1988 doesn't have stalk-mounted wiper or headlight controls; the steering wheel is different but they way it mounts is the same.

Does anybody know if this will work?

 

Im pretty sure they are the same internally, at least with my 86. I have one for a 90 that I am going to see about putting in this weekend when I do my steering box and pump. As for the buzzer, I'm not sure. I know the turn signal switch is the same as my 86, and I can put my 86 wheel on it no problem. I just looked up the switch, and it was changed in 85 and ran all the way through 90. Your switch was only used from 80-83 according to the catalog. Maybe if you swap the wiring stuff over it would work?

 

Ct, is it keeping it original that makes you interested in the seatbelt buzzer warning setup? If not just leave that off.

 

The 1980-1983 tilt column turn signal switch will bolt up to the later 1984-1986 tilt columns.

I was not sure if the columns themselves were physically different or not at the steering wheel. If the column will except the tilt turn signal switch from an 1986, and a 1986 steering wheel will bolt on, the 1981 tilt turn signal switch and parts will work with it too.

What's got me concerned is the tilt column differences.

I already know this swap is possible with standard columns.

 

I'm mostly wondering if my switch (which I bought brand new from the $dealer a few years ago) can be attached to the 1988 column or if the 88 switch will plug into my harness.

 

I put a tilt column out of a 89 in my 84. Both had tilt, 89 was out of a manual truck (same place my engine/trans came from), and the 84 was an auto setup to match the stock C6 trans.
Everything bolted right up; horn, turn signals, flashers, ignition switch worked just fine. Haven't tried the cruise control yet.

 

Thanks for this info! good to know.

 

And if you like better the old steering, ( I do anyways ) there a direct swap in!